Mr. Keefer,

Thank you for speaking so clearly about the issues all children may face in the public school system. As I was listening to you speak, I was waiting to hear how you would would solve or assist children with learning differences. I understand that you believe that the scholarship idea can be positive in giving parents a choice to attend other schools or programs. As the owner and director of a non-profit alternative learning center for children on the spectrum, I believe that all families should be afforded the chance to receive their free and appropriate public education from the public school. Currently and in the past, I have been asked, by parents, to come into schools and work with children with learning differences. Unfortunately, the public schools that I have personally encountered, have been very closed to this idea. The private schools I work with have been wonderful and both the children and the teachers have been very successful in forming relationships with one another and learning from each other. My question to you is, how can outside resources and the public school systems come together to work for the greater good of each child? For example, I used to work in the public school system for a few years. Unfortunately, I felt as though my hands were tied regarding resources and opportunities that would benefit my students. It would have been very helpful for me to have a list of persons to contact such as behavior therapists, special education teachers, speech therapists etc...not connected with the school, that could come and observe, as well as assist me with helping my students. How can we form alliances instead of competing against one another? In my eyes there is no competition, we should all be on the side of the child. I look forward to hearing more from you on this topic and more.

Kindly,
Lesli Bernanke
Under the Umbrella
www.undertheumbrellatx.com
www.utuprograms@gmail.com

Lesli Bernanke
Director of Under the Umbrella
UtU